Optimal Strategy

ADVERTISER DISCLOSUREAdvertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and products that appear on this website are from companies which AskSebby may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. You don't have to use our links, but we're grateful when you do! View our Advertising Policy .

The cards that "got away" are credit cards I considered getting, but once I decided I wanted them, the offers were already gone.

There are three categories:

Cards that are offered for a limited time, and are no longer publicly available

Cards that are discontinued

Discontinued offers

Cards that are limited time offers

The FNBO TravElite card is a prime example of a card that was only available for a limited time and is no longer publically available. I couldn't apply for the card at the time it was released because FNBO is known to be inquiry sensitive.

I knew I would have been rejected if I applied right away, so I had to wait at least two months for an inquiry to fall off. By the time two months rolled around, the card was no longer publically available.

The reason why the FNBO TravElite card was on my list is that it doesn't have an annual fee, but it does have a ton of travel perks you would expect from a premium credit card. It was free money for having the card.

The FNBO card is still available, but it's invitation-only. If this card does become publically available again, I'll be sure to let you know!

Cards that are discontinued

The Citi Hilton card was on my list to get because of the free annual night, but I held off on getting it because Citi is another credit issuer that is inquiry sensitive. By the time the inquiries fell off my credit report, Citi had phased the card out of its catalog.

Ironically, I have been successful in applying to cards that were in the process of being phased out. The Chase Fairmont card is a good example of a hotel card that was discontinued this year. Fairmont certificates can be used in conjunction with free upgrade certificates, which can make the hotel stay more memorable.

Discontinued offers

The Chase Ritz-Carlton is an example of an offer that was discontinued. I applied for the card when Chase announced they were increasing the annual fee from $395 to $450. Some people found leaked links and were locked into the $395 annual fee.

The final two cards that got away are the Chase Marriott and the United card. I'm over Chase 5/24, so I can no longer apply for these cards. I wanted the United card because you can get a free checked bag, even with Basic Economy. There were increased offers up to 80,000 points that I couldn't apply for.

The Chase Marriott card is another card that got away because at first glance, it didn't seem like the signup bonus would be worthwhile. After a bit of research, it looks like the points can go a long way if you use them properly, especially at international properties. The free anniversary night can also be redeemed at any property.

A lot of card recommendations I have are from lessons I learned, and cards that fall under the Chase 5/24 rule.

View the current public card offers by clicking the travel banner above this post.

Apple and Goldman Sachs will partner to create a new iPhone-connected credit card set to launch later this year. According to the WSJ, the card will integrate with the iPhone to track spending, points, and help with budget management.

Booking a flight with the right credit card can make or break a trip, especially if unexpected delays happen. Missed connections or canceled flights can leave a hole in your wallet, and some airlines will only provide food vouchers and overnight accommodations if the delay with within their control.

There’s a misconception going around that the Amex Platinum card earns 5x on ALL hotel stays. To clarify, the Amex Platinum only earns 5x points when you book hotel nights through amextravel.com or the Fine Hotels and Resorts Collection (FHR).

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this website are from companies which AskSebby will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. AskSebby is part of an affiliate sales network and receives
compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

AskSebby Disclaimer: Content on AskSebby represents one individual’s experiences and viewpoints, and your experience may differ. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor a legal or tax professional. Articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. Research and obtain professional advice regarding all credit decisions before attempting to duplicate any of the techniques described on this website.